Poll: Most Catholics, Republicans Support Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships

More than two-thirds of Catholics support some type of legal recognition for same-sex couples, according to a recent New York Times/CBS News poll.

On the heels of a decision striking down Proposition 8 in California and both Washington and New Jersey passing marriage equality bills, this new poll shows the continuing support for equality despite strong opposition from some religious leaders.

The study found that 44 percent of Catholics favored legalizing same-sex marriage and 25 percent preferred civil unions. Only 24 percent of respondents said gay couples should receive no legal recognition.

Those who identified as Evangelical were more conservative in their views, with just 18 percent supporting marriage and 25 percent backing civil unions.

The poll also found that 50 percent of Republicans support either marriage equality or civil unions, despite some GOP leaders’ staunch opposition. Forty-seven percent of Republicans, a minority, believe “there should be no legal recognition of a gay couple’s relationship.”

The poll only furthers the argument that support for same-sex marriage is growing among nearly all sectors of the American public.

Leor Reef is a journalism intern with Campus Progress.

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